6 more people charged with felonies in Aurora riot, looting

Kane County authorities on Friday released the names of six more people facing felony charges in connection with Sunday's vandalism and looting in Aurora.

The six are in addition to Wednesday's release by Aurora police of the names of 15 people who were charged with felonies and misdemeanors during the disturbance.

State's Attorney Joe McMahon acknowledged the public's anger and right to protest over George Floyd's death and said he was "disgusted" by the actions of Minneapolis police.

But, he said, "the individuals named in this statement were more interested in mayhem. Some of these defendants are from outside the communities they vandalized and some are alleged street gang members. All are opportunistic criminals who sought to steal the spotlight away from those who were demonstrating, whether by looting, engaging in violent conduct or putting someone's life and safety at risk."

Here are the latest people facing felony charges:

• Vianney Huerta, 19, of the 1-99 block of Hampton Road, Montgomery, is charged with felony arson and criminal damage to state-supported property. Huerta is accused of setting fire to an Elgin police vehicle parked in a lot on East New York Street. Elgin police officers assisted Aurora police with crowd control during a demonstration. Huerta is next due in court June 10.

• Patricia M. Spangler-Hughes, 20, of the 100 block of Evans Avenue, Aurora, is charged with felony burglary and retail theft. She is accused of breaking into the Walmart at 2900 Aurora Ave. and stealing merchandise in the early morning hours of June 1. She is due in court Sept. 9.

• Erica M. Higgins, 34, of the 800 block of Douglas Avenue, Aurora, is charged with burglary and retail theft at the Walmart on June 1. She is due in court Aug. 20.

• Dionjray M. Davis, 36, of the 200 block of Blackhawk Avenue, Aurora, is charged with theft between $500 and $10,000 and three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding. Davis is accused of stealing from the Walmart and leading police on a chase that ended in a crash. He is due in court Sept. 9.

Two other people are wanted on arrest warrants.

• Jeffrie M.L. Highsmith, 27, of the 300 block of Evans Avenue, Aurora, is charged with armed violence, criminal damage to government-supported property and aggravated assault of a peace officer. Prosecutors allege that on May 31, during the demonstration in downtown Aurora, Highsmith stole a flare and baton from an unoccupied police vehicle and threw a large rock at police officers before fleeing.

• Keanu M. Stewart, 27, of the 100 block of Trask Street, Aurora, is charged with aggravated assault. Prosecutors say that on June 2, Stewart drove his vehicle directly at multiple police officers who were blocking a roadway. No one was injured.